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Surveillance of invasive forest pests
The Forest Pest Management (FPM) Program works in cooperation with the MT Department of Agriculture, US Forest Service, and the Animal Plant Health Inspection Services to survey and monitor non-native invasive pests that threaten our state forests. Non-native pests can be transported to Montana in infested cargo, pallets, outdoor furniture, nursery stock, and firewood. To learn more about firewood and its role in transporting invasives, please visit: http://www.dontmovefirewood.org.
The FPM Program is currently participating in the detection surveys for the following pests:
Gypsy Moth – Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, feeds on array of tree species and although trees are not killed outright, the insects can completely defoliate and severely weaken trees. Gypsy moth is well-established in the eastern U.S. While we have occasional introductions, it is not yet established here in Montana. In order to catch introductions early, cooperative agencies set over 1000 traps throughout the state each year. If found, aggressive control measures are used to eradicate any moths. Learn to identify gypsy moth and report any suspect findings to your local extension agent or local service forester.
Emerald Ash Borer – Emerald ash borer, Agrilus plannipennis, is a severely destructive pest that bores into and kills ash trees. The insect has killed extensive landscapes of community plantings and forests in the midwestern and eastern U.S. Montana has a critical component of ash in riparian corridors, shelterbelts, and communities. Early detection of this destructive pest is critical, yet difficult. Cooperative agencies have been setting detection traps throughout the state with no emerald ash borers caught thus far. Ultimately, prevention is the most feasible means of protecting our ash trees. To learn more about emerald ash borer, visit: http://www.emeraldashborer.info. Please report any suspicious findings to your local extension agent.
Exotic Bark Beetles – In 2009, the Forest Pest Management Program
will participate in the Early Detection and Rapid Response program. The aim
of this national project is to identify potentially harmful bark beetles
before they become established and cause considerable damage. We have identified
7 locations throughout the state as possible entry points for invasive forest
insects. Traps are set at these sites and will be monitored throughout the
summer. Insects collections will be identified and all unknown insects will
be catalogued by a taxonomist and the consequent risks to Montana forests
evaluated.
